What tool is used to remove bearings?
The tool most commonly used to remove bearings is a bearing puller or extractor. These devices grip the bearing and pull it out from a shaft or housing, minimizing damage to adjacent components.
Bearing removal varies by whether you need to extract the inner race, the outer race, or the entire bearing assembly, and by the installation context. This article reviews the main tools professionals and hobbyists rely on and outlines best practices for safe removal.
Common bearing removal tools
These tools cover the majority of removal scenarios, from light maintenance to heavy press-fit bearings. The following list highlights the primary categories and their typical use cases.
- Bearing puller (two- or three-jaw) — grips the inner or outer race and pulls the bearing free from the shaft or housing.
- Bearing splitter — splits the outer race to free a bearing from a shaft or housing without damaging either component; often used with a press or mallet.
- Slide hammer bearing puller — adds incremental impact force to break a seized bearing free when steady pulling isn’t enough.
- Hydraulic bearing puller — uses hydraulic pressure to push or pull stubborn bearings, suitable for tight fits and larger bearings.
- Bearing removal kit — a collection of adapters and accessories that fit a range of bearing sizes and configurations.
- Hub puller or axle bearing puller — specialized tool for automotive wheel bearings and hubs, designed to extract assemblies from suspension or knuckle points.
Choosing the right tool depends on bearing size, fit, whether you are removing the inner or outer race, and whether the bearing is pressed in or slips over a shaft. In practice, technicians select the tool that provides the most secure grip without damaging the races or adjacent parts.
How to choose and use bearing removal tools
Assess the bearing and location
Examine whether the bearing is pressed into a housing or seated on a shaft, and determine whether you need to remove the inner race, the outer race, or the full assembly. This assessment guides the tool choice and approach.
Select the correct tool and adapters
Match the tool to the bearing’s size and configuration. Use the jaws to bite the race only, and choose adapters that distribute force evenly to avoid misalignment or race damage.
Prepare and protect the components
Secure the assembly in a stable fixture or vise, protect sensitive surfaces with soft jaws or protective caps, and ensure the area is clean and free of debris before applying force.
Apply controlled force and inspect
Use slow, even pressure with a puller or progressive hydraulic force. If the bearing resists, pause to re-align and consider penetrating oil or light heating of the housing (never direct heat on the bearing balls) to aid movement. After removal, inspect the bore and shaft for damage before installing a new bearing.
Step-by-step removal guide (practical workflow)
These steps illustrate a typical workflow for bearing removal using common tools. Adjust as needed for your specific application and safety requirements.
- Identify whether you are removing the inner race, outer race, or complete bearing assembly, and gather the appropriate tools and adapters.
- Secure the workpiece in a stable fixture or vise; protect the surfaces with soft jaws or shields.
- Choose the correct tool (puller, splitter, slide hammer, or hydraulic puller) and attach adapters to fit the bearing size.
- Align the tool with the bearing’s centerline and ensure a proper grip on the race without contacting the rolling elements.
- Apply gradual, even force. For stubborn bearings, use incremental strokes or hydraulic pressure and re-check alignment periodically.
- If resistance persists, apply a penetrating lubricant and, if appropriate, gentle heat to the housing area to expand it slightly; avoid heating the bearing itself.
- Once the bearing begins to move, continue until it is fully removed. Inspect the bore and shaft for wear or damage and prepare for installing a new bearing.
In summary, bearing removal hinges on selecting the right puller or splitter for the job, applying steady force, and taking care to protect mating surfaces. When in doubt, especially with large or critical bearings, consult a professional technician to avoid collateral damage.
Summary
For most bearing removal tasks, a bearing puller or extractor is the essential tool, with specialized variants like bearing splitters, slide hammer pullers, hydraulic pullers, and hub/axle pullers used for tougher or automotive applications. The key is to match the tool to the bearing’s size and whether you are removing the inner or outer race, then follow safe, methodical steps to avoid damage and ensure a clean removal.
Do you need a bearing puller?
Bearing pullers are indispensable tools for mechanics, technicians, and engineers working on machinery, automotive parts, or any equipment that involves bearings. They are essential when: A bearing is worn or damaged and needs to be replaced. The bearing is press-fitted tightly and is difficult to remove manually.
How to remove bearings without a puller?
You can also do this with grease. But it's a little messier. So now I've packed this bearing full of bread for the first time and now I'm going to compress. It.
What are the three ways bearings can be removed?
Bearing Removal Methods
- Bearing Puller. Removing a bearing using a bearing puller is often seen as the best and most reliable way to remove a bearing from a shaft.
- Hydraulic Methods. Another method for removing bearings is by using hydraulics.
- Hot Oil And Steam.
- Brute Force.
What tool removes bearings?
The most common types of tools for removing bearings are two- and three-arm bearing pullers, or external pullers. They range from one- to forty-ton capacity and feature two or three jaws that are slim and tapered, allowing the ends to get easily behind the bearing to its race.
